By May 1st, viewers must change the Digital Terrestrial TV platform as Cyprus now switches from the old Velister to the new platform with DVB-T2 technology. This means that if each household does not have the necessary technological infrastructure by the end of April, then it will inevitably stop receiving a signal and will not be able to watch all the channels on its TV receiver.
Following the open tender by the Deputy Ministry of Research, Innovation and Digital Policy, for the Granting of the Right to Use Radio Frequency Spectrum for the Establishment and Operation of a Commercial Digital Terrestrial Television Network (DST) and the provision of Electronic Communications Services, the competent authority granted HELLAS SAT the authorization for the establishment and operation of the new Digital Terrestrial Television platform in the Republic of Cyprus.
It should be noted that this change concerns all viewers who receive a television signal through an antenna, and not through a cable or satellite platform. On the other hand, specific actions are required from the affected viewers such as:
If the TV supports DVB-T2
→ Simple channel retuning
• If it does not support DVB-T2
→ Buy a DVB-T2 decoder or
→ Buy a new TV with DVB-T2
The new Digital Terrestrial TV platform
According to information from HELLAS SAT, the new Digital Terrestrial TV platform operates with DVB-T2 technology, which is the most modern European technology for terrestrial digital transmission of television signals.
According to the contractor company, it is the technical standard now used by most European countries, because it allows for better image quality, more channels and more efficient use of frequencies. This platform replaces the existing platform currently operated by the company Velister, which is based on the older DVB-T technology.
Who is affected by the change?
As mentioned above, this change concerns all viewers who receive a television signal via an antenna, and not through a cable or satellite platform. For this reason, specific actions are required from the public, such as resetting and/or upgrading the television equipment, where necessary.
When will the transition to the new platform take place?
The transition from the existing Digital Terrestrial Television (DVB-T) platform to the new DVB-T2 platform, as reported by the competent authorities, is taking place gradually, with the aim of smoothly adapting the audience.
In particular, for a specific period of time, there is a parallel broadcast of both platforms, both the existing platform operated by Velister and the new platform of HELLAS SAT, so that viewers have sufficient time to take the necessary actions without losing access to television programs. The transition period started on 30 March 2026 and runs until 30 April 2026.
